Revised 7/16/2014
RCYSL Recreational RULES and POLICIES
The following Rules and Policies apply to all Recreational games played within RCYSL. They should be reviewed by all
RCYSL coaches and Referees. Questions may be directed to a League board member, to your Club Manager, or to
your club Referee or Coach Coordinators.
Section 1: Authority and Responsibilities
1:01 RCYSL shall operate under the General Procedures and Specific Rules of the California Youth Soccer Association
(CYSA), and any additional Rules and Regulations adopted by RCYSL Board.
1:02 Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board shall not conflict with the Constitution and Bylaws of the California Youth
Soccer Association (CYSA), the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), the United States Soccer Federation
(USSF), and the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA).
Section 2: Team and Club Responsibilities
2:01 The hosting club is responsible for providing a correctly sized, safe, and properly equipped field at the scheduled time.
The field shall have distinctive lines, approved flags at each corner, and appropriate sized nets and goals. The hosting club
shall also provide the Referees as described in Section 4.
2:02 It is the responsibility of the hosting club to ensure that the field is playable prior to the start of games scheduled that day.
Coaches may not cancel games without prior consent of the Club Manager. The center Referee may cancel the game if he/she
determines that the field is not playable. Once the game has started it is the sole responsibility of the center Referee to
determine if the field continues to be in playable condition.
2:03 The coaches of both teams (home and visitor) are to the report the results of their match in a timely manner. Standings
are kept in order to appropriately seed the teams into playing divisions.
2:04 Coaches are responsible for the control of their players, parents and spectators during the game. A coach may be sent off
by the Referee as a result of inappropriate behavior by any of these individuals.
2:05 Any individual attending a match may submit a Match Report concerning the game, the participants, the officials, or others
in attendance. The completed form should be forwarded to the individual’s Club Manager, or to a League official for appropriate
action. The Match Report form may be downloaded from the RCYSL website.
2:06 Any team that fails to appear for a scheduled game without a 48 hour notification will be responsible for paying all Referee
fees for the rescheduled game; no matter where the rescheduled game is to be played.
2:07 Any hosting club that fails to provide the required Referees in proper attire at the scheduled time should be reported on a
Match Report form. The Match Report should be sent to the League Referee Coordinator within 24 hours. The League may
impose a fine of up to $50.00 upon the host club for each offense, unless the offense was due to circumstances completely
beyond the control of the club.
Section 3: Coaches and Players
3:01 All players on a team’s roster who are present for a game are to play a minimum of one-half of that match unless there
are disciplinary or medical reasons why they should not. Only those players who have missed practice and are being
disciplined, or are ill or injured may play less than one-half of the game. Both the Referee and opposing coach are to be notified
prior to the start of the game of any player(s) who will not be participating in at least one-half of the match.
3:02 In order to participate in any matches, including seeding tournaments, all players and coaches must be currently
registered with CYSA. Being listed on a team roster is sufficient proof for Under 6 players. All coaches and all older (Under 8
through Under 19) players must have current, valid USYSA passes. Referees may not accept a team roster in lieu of the
required passes (Under 6 excepted). During the principal season of play, participation of ‘Guest’ players (those registered to a
team other than those scheduled to play the match) is not allowed. Players who participate without the specified proof of
registration shall be sent-off. Any coach who allows a player to participate without proof of registration shall be sent-off.
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3:03 At least one coach with a valid coach’s pass must be present for each team throughout the scheduled match. If there is no
coach with a currently valid pass present for each team, the game shall be immediately terminated.
3:04 In an extraordinary situation and with pre-game (24 hour) approval from the team’s club Manager, another coach from the
same club may use their pass to coach another team in their club.
3:05 The coach and player passes shall be given to, and retained by the Referee prior to the start of a game. The Referee shall
verify that each pass (1) has not been altered, (2) is valid for the current season, (3) the picture is appropriate as mandated by
registration policy, (4) the team name is correct, and (5) each player’s jersey has an identifying number that is noted on the
game card. Signatures are not required on passes, but the coach must sign the game card.
3:06 Unless a coach or player has committed a violation requiring a 24-hour report to be sent to the League PAD; coach and
player passes should be returned to each of the teams after the game. The game card should be delivered to the home team’s
club Manager by the Referee or by the coach of the home team.
3:07 In order to be issued a coach’s pass, all coaches and assistant coaches must: (1) complete the CYSA “F” course or
equivalent and submit a copy of their coaching license (license is not required for U06 or first year coaches), (2) complete the
coaches’ application, (3) submit an appropriate picture, and (4) pass the RCYSL approved LiveScan (fingerprinting).
Section 4: Referees
All matches shall have at least one Referee currently certified by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Referees
who are not in full uniform shall serve ONLY as volunteers, and will not be paid.
4:01 All Under 6 games shall be played with a single center Referee currently USSF certified at Grade 9 or a higher level.
Assistant Referees may be non-certified volunteers supplied by the teams to indicate when the ball is out of play.
4:02 All Under 8 games shall be played with at least one Referee currently USSF certified at Grade 9 or a higher level.
4:03 All Under 10, Under 12 & Under 14 games shall be played using the three Referee system. All Referees must be
currently USSF certified at Grade 9 or a higher level, and at least one Referee must be USSF Grade 8 or higher.
4:04 Coaches who are also currently USSF certified Referees may serve as Referees, but should not be the center Referee in
matches within their own playing division. A player’s relative may serve as a Referee, but should not do so when their relative’s
team is playing. The center Referee should be at least four years older than the players (or be an adult). Both coaches must
agree before the game to any exceptions to these specifications. Once both coaches have agreed, they may not use the
exceptions to protest the game.
4:05 Center and assistant Referees in full Referee uniform shall receive the following compensation from the home team (or
from the hosting club) for regular season Recreational games:
Age Group
Under 06
Under 08
Under 10
Under 12
Under 14
Under 16
Under 19
Center Referee
$10.00
$15.00
$20.00
$25.00
$30.00
$35.00
$40.00
Each Asst Referee
Volunteer
$12.00
$15.00
$20.00
$25.00
$30.00
$30.00
4:06 For seeding games, only the center Referee will be assigned. The Referee shall be paid the amount listed in the table
below by each of the teams playing in each half length game. The Referee is to be paid prior to the start of play:
Age Group
Under 08
Under 10
Under 12
Under 14
RCYSL Rules & Policies
Center Referee
$8.00 ($4.00 from each team)
$8.00 ($4.00 from each team)
$12.00 ($6.00 from each team)
$12.00 ($6.00 from each team)
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Each Asst Referee
Volunteer
Volunteer
Volunteer
Volunteer
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4:07 Decisions of the Referee that are purely judgmental (i.e. the ball in or out of play, determination of intent if the ball is
handled, etc.) shall not be challenged, and shall not be grounds for protest.
4:08 The Referee shall permit the coaches of both teams to add written comments on the game card after the conclusion of the
match. The Referee should include the identity of the coach(es) making written comments.
4:09 When a player or a coach has been sent-off, the Referee must send the the coach and/or player pass and Send-Off
Report (24-hour report) to the RCYSL PAD Chairperson. The Send-Off Report form may be downloaded from the RCYSL or
District VI website. For CPL games, the 24-hour report and pass is to be sent to the District VI PAD Chairperson.
Section 5: Rules of Play
5:01 The Rules of Play for all Recreational games in RCYSL shall be the most recent edition of the United States Soccer
Federation (USSF) Laws of the Game, as modified by the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) and River City Youth
Soccer League (RCYSL), and for Under 16 and Under 19 games, the Community Playing League (CPL) Rules of Play.
5:02 Game length and ball size specifications are as follows (CYSA PIM 10-2 abridged):
Age Group
U06 & U08
Under 12
Under 16
Length of Half
20 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
Ball
#3
#4
#5
Age Group
Under 10
Under 14
Under 19
Length of Half
25 minutes
35 minutes
45 minutes
Ball
#4
#5
#5
5:03 The following CYSA modifications shall apply to all games in RCYSL (CYSA PIM 10-3 abridged):
A. Charging the goalkeeper shall not be permitted at any time when he/she is within his/her own goal area.
B. Coaching from the sidelines, giving direction to one’s own team on points of strategy and position, is permitted provided
that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
No mechanical devices are used,
The tone of voice is informative and not a harangue.
No coach, substitute, player or spectator is to be anywhere but at his/her bench area during the game.
No coach, substitute, player or spectator is to make derogatory remarks or gestures to the Referees, other players,
substitutes or spectators.
5. No coach, substitute or player is to use profanity.
6. No coach, substitute, player or spectator is to incite in any manner, disruptive behavior of any kind.
The penalty for the above shall be ejection from the game and disciplinary action which will be taken by the CYSA
Board of Directors, and/or the appropriate RCYSL committee (PAD or Sportsmanship).
C. Where colors of uniforms are similar, the home team must effect a change to colors which are distinct from those of the
opponent. In RCYSL, bibs (pennies) may be used if appropriate.
D. The host club is responsible for the condition of the playing field (see 2:01). Both teams are to have a game ball
(usually provided by the home team), and ensure that their spectators behave in a proper and respectful manner.
E. The number of substitutes shall be unlimited. A substitute shall not enter the field of play until he/she has been given a
signal to do so by the referee. Players may be substituted at the following times:
1. Prior to a throw-in, by the team in possession of the ball. The other team may only substitute if the possessing
team substitutes player(s).
2. Prior to a goal kick, by either team.
3. After a goal is scored, by either team.
4. After an injury, when play is stopped by Referee, by either team.
5. At half time, by either team. At quarter breaks, by either team (U06 and U08 matches).
6. When the Referee has stopped play to caution a player. Only the cautioned player may be substituted, and only
prior to the re-start of play.
F. The Referee shall require that both teams enter all appropriate information on a CYSA Referee Report form (the game
card) prior to the start of the game. Refer to Sections 3 and 4 for additional game card related requirements.
5:04 Players wearing orthopedic casts, air-splints or metal splints may not participate in any match. Players may be allowed to
wear or to use certain orthopedic supports, medical devices and prosthetic devices, provided that they conform to the device
definitions and the requirement for appropriate documentation as specified in CYSA PIM 12-1.
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5:05 RCYSL modified rules for Under 6 and Under 8 play shall be as follows:
A. The field of play and goals shall be as follows:
Field size - minimum 35 yards wide x 40 yards long.
- maximum 50 yards wide x 70 yards long.
Goal size - 6 feet high x 15 feet wide
Goal area - 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards out.
Penalty area - None
Center circle - 12 yards diameter
B. The number of players on the field shall be as follows:
Under 6: Maximum of five players, one player may be a goalkeeper. Minimum of three players.
Under 8: Maximum of seven players, one player shall be a goalkeeper. Minimum of four players.
C. Breaks of one minute shall be given mid-way through the first and second half. The game will be restarted with a kickoff by the same team that started the that half.
D. The Referee shall make decisions on points of fact connected with the game; his/her decision is final. The Referee is
encouraged to explain the infraction to the offending player.
E. All free kicks shall be taken as indirect free kicks. A goal may not be scored until the ball has been played or touched
by a another player of either team. All opposing players must be outside the goal area and at least six yards from the
ball.
F. Penalty kicks shall NOT be taken. An indirect free kick shall be taken instead.
G. Goal kicks shall be taken from any point inside the goal area. All opposing players must be outside the goal area and
at least six yards from the ball.
H. A repeat throw-in may be granted by the Referee to a player after an explanation.
I. Offside is generally not called unless in the opinion of the Referee a player is being coached to be in the offside
position, or is remaining in the offside position in order to gain the advantage of a scoring opportunity. A restart shall be
awarded to the opponent with an indirect free kick.
J. Slide tackling is not allowed. The penalty is an indirect free kick from the point of the infraction. The player shall be
cautioned.
5:06 RCYSL modified rules for Recreational Under 10 play shall be as follows:
A. The field of play and goals shall be as follows:
Field size - minimum 35 yards wide x 50 yards long.
- maximum 60 yards wide x 90 yards long.
Goal size - 6 to 7 feet high x 18 to 21 feet wide.
Goal area - 6 yards from each goal post and 6 yards out.
Penalty area - 14 yards from each goal post and 14 yards out.
Penalty mark - 10 yards from goal.
Center circle - 16 yards diameter.
B. The number of players on the field shall be as follows:
Recreational: Maximum of nine players, one player is a goalkeeper. Minimum of five players. Note: Competitive
(RCU / CCSL) plays with a maximum of eight players in U9, U10 and U11 ages.
C. Goal kicks shall be taken from any point inside the goal area as per the Laws of the Game (all of the opposing players
must be outside the penalty area).
D. Direct and indirect free kicks shall be awarded and taken as per the Laws of the Game; all of the opposing players must
be outside the goal area and at least eight yards from the ball.
E. Penalty kicks shall be awarded and taken as per the Laws of the Game. When a Penalty kick is awarded, all opposing
players must be outside of the penalty area and at least eight yards from the Penalty mark.
5:07 The maximum number of players rostered to a team shall be ten (10) in Under 6, twelve (12) in Under 8, fourteen (14) in
Under 10, eighteen (18) in Under 12 & Under 14, and twenty-two (22) in Under 16 & Under 19 age groups.
5:08 Referees and coaches are not allowed to modify or ignore any of the Rules of Play. Coaches who attempt to violate or
ignore the Rules of Play shall be appropriately dealt with by the Referee. Any Referee who modifies or ignores the Rules of Play
should be reported to the League by noting the incident on the game card (if possible), and by filing a Match Report with the
RCYSL Referee Coordinator describing the specifics of the incident.
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